BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3838

By: Dominguez

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri have shown that it is essential governmental entities are able to effectively and clearly communicate with the public. H.B. 3838 seeks to address potential communication gaps and ensure greater access to official, primary source information by requiring governmental entities to post emergency notices and other official notices on their own websites.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3838 amends the Government Code to require an applicable governmental entity to post the following information in a prominent location on the home page of its website:

· each emergency notification issued by the entity; and

· any other official notice issued by the entity, including notices regarding the entity's ability or inability to provide services it normally provides to the public.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.